How to Use Sunflower Oil for Hair

And help restore your hair to its sunshine glory.

We know sunflower oil as a common cooking oil, but did you know it earns popularity as a hair care ingredient too? It’s true, sunflower oil for hair isn’t just a DIY remedy. It’s often used in shampoos and conditioners for its moisturizing properties. Contrary to what you may think, sunflower oil is a valuable natural ingredient for treating both greasy and dry hair. Here are ways sunflower oil can benefit your hair health, and the best products that feature it. 

Benefits of sunflower oil for hair

A healthy scalp means healthy hair, and the components that make up your hair are very similar to the ones of your skin. That means the properties that make sunflower oil so beneficial for skin health are the same ones that can nourish your hair. If your hair follicles receive the vitamins and minerals they need, your hair will also grow our stronger and healthier.

Sunflower oil is derived from sunflower seeds, and it’s particularly rich in omega-6 essential fatty acids, also known as linoleic acid (up to 59%). They strengthen your skin barrier to prevent moisture loss that can cause a dry, itchy scalp. Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to heal skin and hair damaged by the sun, harsh products or treatments. Antioxidants are essential to fighting free radical damage, and overall helpful in preventing hair loss. You’ll also be happy to hear that sunflower oil is compatible with your scalp. It absorbs easily and helps other nutrients penetrate your skin, and can do the same for your hair!

How to use sunflower oil for hair

1. Cleanse hair

Similar to how you can use a sunflower oil based cleanser to remove makeup, sunflower oil can help clear excess oil and gunk from your lifeless locks. Shampooing isn’t as bad for your hair as you think, as long as you’re using a shampoo without any harsh synthetic ingredients. For the best results, select a shampoo with sunflower oil that’s complemented by other natural ingredients to purify your scalp and hair. You’ll want a formula that works to clarify your scalp and reveal natural shine in your hair, rather than strip precious moisture away!  

Make sure to massage the shampoo into your head thoroughly to fight against a clogged up scalp—which can lead to a myriad of conditions such as folliculitis and reduced hair growth. Rinse, and follow with a conditioner.

Sunflower & Citrus Brilliant Shine Shampoo from Andalou Naturals
Cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Sunflower oil and citrus oils work to clear away excess grease that can weigh down on hair, restoring a natural shine to your locks. This gentle shampoo is ideal for all hair types, and is color-safe too!

Organic Shampoo from Christina Moss Naturals
Cruelty-free, vegan
The simple yet effective formula of this shampoo makes it ideal for sensitive scalps. The enriching organic sunflower oil and shea butter help produce a luxurious lather that’s safe for color-treated hair.

2. Moisturize scalp

As a plant oil, sunflower oil is able to seal moisture into hair and skin. That keeps your skin smooth and itch-free, and helps prevent against dandruff. Thanks to its high oleic acid content of 30%, it’s also a great carrier oil for other nourishing ingredients, such as botanicals to clarify your scalp. Did we mention that sunflower oil is non-comedogenic as well? All of these characteristics make sunflower oil a powerful ingredient to include in a hair mask to deep condition your scalp.

When applying your hair mask, massage the formula into your scalp, including along your hairline, to promote maximum absorption. Leave in the mask for up to 15 minutes before rinsing.

Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask from Rahua
Cruelty-free
This hair mask is designed to deeply penetrate your scalp to leave it soothed and thoroughly moisturized. Sunflower oil and quinoa work together to promote healing and moisture retention in your hair and scalp.

Native Flower Oil Hair Hydration from Pacifica
Cruelty-free, vegan
Prefer a more on-the-go solution to relieving your dry itchy scalp? This hair oil is packed with nourishing oils like sunflower oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil that are nourishing yet lightweight on your hair. Plus, they help to fight frizz!

3. Condition hair

Sunflower oil locks moisture into the hair shaft, without the unpleasant greasy residue. It promotes shine and fights frizz, whether it’s caused by the frigid winter air or the burning summer sun. We prefer it over silicone ingredients that can be difficult to rinse off hair, and can cause brittle strands with extended use.

All-Natural Conditioner with Biotin and Coconut Oil from Baré Alchemy
Cruelty-free
This conditioner contains coconut oil and sunflower oil to gently detangle hair, while moisturizing without leaving a greasy residue and boosting the appearance of thinning hair. Tea tree oil purifies the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.

Argan Sunflower Hair Oil from Chagrin Valley
Cruelty-free, vegan
Because of its high heat point, sunflower oil makes the perfect choice for a hot oil hair treatment. Warm up 2 tablespoons of this natural hair oil and massage it thoroughly into your scalp and then to your hair ends for a deep conditioning treatment. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing.

4. Treat inflamed scalp

Vitamin E is a power anti-inflammatory, making sunflower oil beneficial for treating inflammatory scalp conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic eczema. It can go a long way in soothing that itch, ultimately helping to prevent infection and promote recovery. Chronic inflammation can actually lead to hair loss. Make sure to regularly shampoo to help prevent infection and promote a balanced scalp, and follow up with a natural conditioner to help soothe irritation.

Thanks to its non-comedogenic nature and rich nutrients, sunflower oil makes an ideal ingredient for both hair care and skin care. It blends beautifully with other natural ingredients too, helping you maximize the benefits you get from sunflower oil for your scalp and locks.